ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN

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The Deluxe Edition Includes: • ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN • Additional DLC - Additional playable characters and bosses • Digital Artbook & Mini Soundtrack

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86%

Audience ScoreBased on 78,462 reviews

gameplay2.3k positive mentions

optimization633 negative mentions

The humor in 'Nightreign' creates hilarious moments, especially in multiplayer, enhancing the overall fun and camaraderie among players.
The game's soundtrack is widely praised for its haunting and epic quality, significantly elevating the gameplay experience.
The atmosphere and world design are immersive and beautifully crafted, capturing the dark essence of the original game.

The grinding aspect is often described as tedious and repetitive, with a lack of variety in bosses and environments leading to a monotonous experience.
The game suffers from severe performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, making it frustrating to play even on high-end hardware.
Many players criticize the thin narrative and limited character progression, feeling that the game lacks the depth and engagement found in previous FromSoftware titles.

gameplay
7,095 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
61%
7%
The gameplay of "Elden Ring: Nightreign" has been described as a fast-paced, addictive experience that combines familiar mechanics from the original "Elden Ring" with new roguelike elements and cooperative gameplay. Players appreciate the unique character abilities and the challenge of boss encounters, though some criticize the repetitive nature of the gameplay loop and the reliance on RNG for loot and progression. While the game offers a thrilling and dynamic experience, it also suffers from technical issues and a lack of variety in content, leading to mixed feelings about its long-term replayability. Overall, it appeals primarily to fans of the soulslike genre who enjoy a more frantic and cooperative approach to gameplay.
- “The gameplay loop is incredibly fun and diverse, the unique character skills add flair to the Elden Ring combat style, and the unique bosses are very well handled, for the most part.”
- “It's much more fast-paced than Elden Ring or any of the Souls games, but it's that gameplay that makes every decision critical in a way that feels rewarding when it pays off.”
- “The gameplay is smooth, polished, and really fun.”
- “The so-called 'mutated' enemies are a bare-minimum addition—they’re essentially palette swaps of existing foes that often kill you in one hit, offering no real gameplay variation.”
- “The gameplay loop quickly becomes redundant and by-the-numbers after a few hours of gameplay.”
- “The revive mechanic is the worst revive mechanic I've ever seen in a video game.”
story
1,962 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
76%
4%
The story in "Nightreign" is a mix of character-driven narratives and environmental storytelling, primarily conveyed through "remembrance" quests that reveal the backstories of the playable characters. While some players appreciate the intriguing lore and character arcs, many criticize the overall narrative for being thin and less engaging compared to previous FromSoftware titles like "Elden Ring." The game's structure, which emphasizes fast-paced gameplay and multiplayer mechanics, often detracts from the depth of storytelling, leading to frustrations with matchmaking and quest progression.
- “The story of Elden Ring is rich and engaging, with deep lore and complex characters that draw you into its world.”
- “The story and character questlines are engaging, and even the main narrative is surprisingly emotional.”
- “The gameplay aside, while it only takes up a fraction of this game, the remembrance storylines for each of the characters are so well done they blow you right away.”
- “The quest system is awful; you have to be in a specific mode to progress quests, each step of the quest has you running back to the journal to figure out what the next step is, because you'll never figure them out by yourself. Many of them require you to talk to NPCs over and over again even though they stop talking to you and repeat dialogue.”
- “The story is practically nonexistent – I had no idea what the actual point of the game was.”
- “The game just feels incomplete: there are almost zero story elements, the upgrade system is underdeveloped and based entirely on RNG, and there is little more to each run than a rush to optimize as much as possible.”
optimization
1,819 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
53%
35%
The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players reporting severe performance issues, including frequent stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end hardware. Many users have noted that the game runs worse than its predecessor, Elden Ring, despite using the same engine, and the lack of proper optimization for modern graphics cards has made the experience frustrating. Until significant performance patches are released, many reviewers cannot recommend the game, citing it as fundamentally broken in its current state.
- “The game is well optimized and can be played on Steam Deck.”
- “The performance is consistent, which helps the overall experience feel smooth and stable.”
- “The game's technical state is also very low, with a deep of night point system that defies all logic, performance issues on modern Intel processors, terrible netcode that makes enemies slide across the floor, and makes it impossible to activate grace or pick up loot for several seconds.”
- “Performance-wise, it actually runs worse than Elden Ring for me, despite using the same engine and having a smaller map.”
- “The frame rate is wildly inconsistent, stuttering occurs even in low-intensity areas, and loading screens sometimes take absurdly long — when the game doesn't crash outright, that is.”
replayability
959 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
56%
9%
The replayability of "Elden Ring: Nightreign" is a mixed bag, with many players noting its potential for varied gameplay through different character builds and randomized elements, which can lead to enjoyable experiences. However, some reviewers express concerns about the game's limited content and repetitive nature, suggesting that once players have completed the main objectives, the incentive to continue playing diminishes significantly. Overall, while the game offers a fun and engaging experience, its long-term replayability may depend on future updates and additional content.
- “The variety of characters increases replayability, and the new mode adds something worth grinding for.”
- “Thanks to the RNG in both map layout and itemization, the replayability is really good and there are quite a few different playstyles to explore.”
- “This game is just perfect, honestly no complaints, there's tons of content, the replayability is great, it runs with no issues at all.”
- “Sounds neat... until you realize the lack of replayability and how deeply they stripped away what made Souls games good.”
- “The game overall could use more meaningful content, some quality of life improvements, and stronger long-term replayability.”
- “Unfortunately, this game has flaws; the game operates on a set seed system where each seed was handmade, with only 40 total per boss, which really puts a damper on the replayability when you load into a map realizing that it's the exact same seed as a run you just played.”
music
849 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
39%
2%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising it as one of the standout features. The original soundtracks, particularly those associated with the nightlord bosses, are described as haunting, epic, and perfectly complementing the gameplay, elevating the overall experience. Specific tracks, such as Caligo's theme, are highlighted as exceptional, with some players considering the soundtrack among the best in FromSoftware's history.
- “The soundtrack is haunting, epic, and fits perfectly with each encounter, making battles unforgettable.”
- “The music is just incredible and the gameplay is so fluid.”
- “The nightlords' music is amazing & each encounter is different.”
- “The music is a little more tame and boring.”
- “I just turn the game music off and listen to my own.”
- “The worst souls game I have ever played in my life, this is so bad, the gameplay is bad, the song selection is beyond disgrace, I had high hopes, this game is made for money, it is a disappointment.”
graphics
829 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
56%
5%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals and art style reminiscent of "Elden Ring." However, numerous players have reported significant performance issues, particularly on high-end graphics cards, leading to frame drops and stuttering regardless of the settings used. While some find the graphics beautiful and immersive, others criticize the optimization and technical problems that detract from the overall experience.
- “Stunning game, the graphics are just on a different level.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, the world is immersive, the boss fights are smooth and satisfying, and the atmosphere is everything I wanted—and more.”
- “Nightreign boasts stunning visuals, with detailed environments and atmospheric lighting that enhance the game's immersive experience.”
- “After months of being out, this game is still plagued with horrible performance issues for people using high-end graphics cards.”
- “The graphics are... something.”
- “Runs like absolute shit, don't buy this with modern graphics cards until it's fixed.”
grinding
629 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
94%
The grinding aspect of "Nightreign" has received mixed feedback from players, with many describing it as tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the fast-paced nature of grinding for relics and character upgrades, others find the lack of variety in bosses and environments leads to a monotonous experience. The game's reliance on RNG for rewards and the time pressure from its mechanics further contribute to the frustration, making it feel like a grind rather than an engaging challenge. Overall, players suggest that the game is best enjoyed with friends to mitigate the grind's tedium.
- “No grinding levels to prepare in advance or hoarding supplies to max out your gear.”
- “You’re not grinding — you’re navigating.”
- “This game rewards those with natural skill, no farming enemies in low level areas to over level bosses.”
- “You can spend hours and hours grinding for them, to not get a single compatible relic for any of your builds, but yet people are able to use cheat engine and abuse the save file system to get the relics they want.”
- “The deep of night point system is terrible, the characters and relics are absolutely terrible; the everdark bosses aren't even worth farming because the rewards are poor.”
- “Game gives you no incentive to replay them, besides doing achievements and grinding those percentage increases.”
stability
580 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
93%
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and significant lag during gameplay. Many users experience frustrating stutters lasting several seconds, particularly during intense moments like boss fights, which can lead to game-breaking situations. While some players have noted improvements after patches, the overall consensus is that the game remains buggy and unoptimized, making it difficult to recommend in its current state.
- “Runs great on my PC.”
- “Game runs great and net code is an improvement over their previous games.”
- “Goty, looks great, runs great, feels like FromSoftware, I love it.”
- “Add to that a slew of persistent bugs and glitches, and the experience becomes increasingly frustrating.”
- “The awful multiplayer server and the game's unstable performance will frequently ruin some of your runs by disconnecting players at the worst possible time, or by dropping your FPS during a boss fight, not to mention all the little bugs and glitches that keep happening on a daily basis.”
- “This game is a buggy, punishing, frustrating mess that tries to be a co-op roguelike but ends up being more of a patience test.”
monetization
405 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
16%
82%
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to its perceived lack of content and reliance on reused assets from previous titles. While some appreciate the absence of microtransactions and the ability to earn in-game currency through gameplay, the overall sentiment suggests that the game's $40 price tag feels unjustified for what is seen as a low-effort product. Despite the mixed opinions, a few players found enjoyment in the gameplay, indicating that while the monetization strategy is contentious, the experience can still be fun for some.
- “They somehow made a live service Elden Ring work without microtransactions everywhere.”
- “The game offers skins and customization without any microtransactions!”
- “No microtransactions means no wallet grief.”
- “This game is an uninspired, lazy, and shameless cash grab.”
- “Overall, this game feels like a cash grab riding on a popular title with no real future – however, an easy fix would be to dedicate a team to regular content updates and to address the replayability issues.”
- “This is a total flop, a lazy cash grab that betrays everything the original stood for.”
humor
325 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in "Nightreign" is a standout feature, with players consistently highlighting the game's ability to generate hilarious moments, especially when played with friends. Many reviews emphasize the chaotic and unpredictable nature of multiplayer interactions, leading to laughter over both triumphs and failures, while the quirky character designs and absurd scenarios add to the comedic experience. Overall, the game is described as a fun and entertaining romp that thrives on the camaraderie and shared laughter of its players.
- “The game's even more fun with friends, plenty of room to goof around with funny builds.”
- “I stayed the night up with two best friends playing this game, we couldn't stop laughing the whole time and enjoyed every second.”
- “It's funny the first few times but eventually, it just gets annoying.”
- “Some of it is valid, some is unfunny rage bait.”
- “I say 'let's use this hawk' to which my friend responds 'to where' and we immediately all start crying with laughter at how unfunny it was.”
- “- kernel level anticheat in PVE game is an unfunny joke.”
atmosphere
249 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
49%
2%
The atmosphere in "Elden Ring: Nightreign" is widely praised for its haunting beauty, rich world-building, and immersive sound design, effectively capturing the dark, mysterious essence of the original game. Players appreciate the intricate environments and atmospheric storytelling, although some express that the fast-paced gameplay detracts from the slower, more contemplative exploration typical of FromSoftware titles. Overall, the game successfully delivers a gripping atmosphere that enhances the intense combat and memorable boss encounters, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre.
- “The atmosphere is insane – every corner feels alive and mysterious.”
- “The atmosphere is thick with sorrow and mystery.”
- “The atmosphere, world design, and lore continue fromsoftware’s tradition of immersive storytelling through exploration and discovery.”
- “The atmosphere is darker, almost oppressive in the best way, and the world design is absolutely top-tier.”
- “The environments all look the same and lack atmosphere, which makes exploring boring.”
- “It's just this panicked, breathless rush of an experience where none of the story, none of the atmosphere, none of the artful looming tension from their past games seems to exist.”
emotional
147 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
2%
The emotional aspect of the game is a significant highlight, with players expressing a wide range of feelings from joy and nostalgia to heartbreak and frustration. Many reviews note the engaging storylines and character quests that evoke strong emotional responses, often leading to tears during pivotal moments. While some players appreciate the emotional depth and connection to previous titles, others find the game's mechanics and difficulty can lead to feelings of frustration, creating a complex emotional experience that keeps them invested.
- “The story and character questlines are engaging, and even the main narrative is surprisingly emotional.”
- “Amazing! I started playing one of the characters (Revenant) and as you relieve her backstory, it genuinely breaks your heart. I was not expecting to get emotionally destroyed by the game after winning a boss fight, but man was it good.”
- “The music is fantastic, and the cutscenes and ending are touchingly beautiful.”
- “I cried during the tutorial.”
- “The emotional moments felt forced and didn't resonate with me.”
- “I found it hard to connect with the characters on an emotional level.”
character development
96 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
46%
3%
Character development in the game is highlighted by its impressive character designs and unique abilities, which contribute to engaging gameplay and aesthetics. However, many players feel that the depth of character progression is limited, with minimal customization options and a fast-paced structure that detracts from meaningful development. Overall, while the character designs are celebrated, the lack of substantial character growth and exploration has left some players wanting more.
- “One of the things I love about the game is that there's genuine relationships and character development for the nightfarers/player characters, which is something that FromSoftware never really delved into before, and it's such a nice change.”
- “The character designs and abilities really complement each other and are easy to learn, yet hard to master.”
- “The character design of each nightfarer is very compelling and unique, while allowing for each player's own expression through the relic system.”
- “To make matters worse, although this is very niche for me, you're stuck with the unchanging character designs, which is a massive letdown that I don't get to make my own character.”
- “Many core elements of the soulsborne formula (world exploration, permanent character development, obscure NPC questlines, etc.) have been reduced to a minimum in favor of fast-paced map traversal, routing, and combat.”
- “Having extremely limited character development permanency on top of not being able to customize my character build ruined the game.”